Portable Fluid Storage System

ABSTRACT

A portable fluid storage system for use during frac jobs or other operations requiring storage of water or other fluids. The system comprises a lower chamber and an upper chamber sized to fit within the lower chamber. A lift system, such as screw jacks or rack and pinion gears, is disposed to move the lower chamber from a collapsed position to an extended position where the upper chamber is positioned above the lower chamber. A seal is disposed to engage the upper chamber and the lower chamber when the system is in the extended position. The upper chamber, the seal, and the lower chamber form a water tight compartment when the system is in the extended position. The system is transported as a traditional frac tank with a tractor or other truck. When positioned for use, the storage system is expanded to hold twice as much fluid as a traditional tank.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers used for storing fluids andmore particularly to frac tanks used for storing water during hydraulicfracturing operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydraulic fracturing is a regular technique used by energy companies forreleasing oil or natural gas from previously drilled wells. Highpressure fluids injected into wells creates new fractures or channels inrock that permits an increase in rates of extraction of oil, naturalgas, or other substances from the well. The hydraulic fracturingprocess, or frac job, requires high volumes of water or fluids, mixedwith a variety of chemicals and sands, to be injected into the well. Thewater and other fluids need to be stored on site near the well inpreparation for the frac job injection process. Additionally, water andfluids recovered from the well are often required to be stored on site.Large numbers of frac tanks are often used for this purpose.

Frac tanks are traditionally semi-trailer sized storage containersprepared for holding water or other fluids. Tanks typically hold 500barrels (approximately 21,000 gallons) of fluid. The tanks aretransported to the well by being individually towed behind asemi-tractor, where they are positioned at a site physically preparedfor the housing of the required number of tanks. The use of frac tanksthus comes with a significant environmental impact. The presentinvention provides the ability to store additional fluid volumes withreduced environmental impact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a portable fluid storage containersystem. The system comprises a lower chamber, an upper chamber, a liftsystem, and a seal unit. The lower chamber comprises a bottom and atleast one side wall secured to the bottom and having a top edge, the topedge defining an open top of the lower chamber. The upper chambercomprises a top and at least one side wall secured to the top and havinga bottom edge, the bottom edge defining an open bottom of the upperchamber. The upper chamber is movable between a first collapsed positionin which the upper chamber is disposed within the lower chamber and asecond extended position in which the upper chamber sits above the lowerchamber. The lift system is operatively connected to the lower chamberand the upper chamber, the lift system operable to move the upperchamber between the collapsed position and the extended position. Theseal unit is disposed to engage the lower chamber and the upper chamberwhen the upper chamber unit is in the extended position. When the upperchamber is in the extended position the lower chamber, the seal unit,and the upper chamber define a water tight compartment. The systemfurther comprises a trailer axle and wheels and a trailer tongue. Thetrailer axle and wheels are connected to the lower chamber, the wheelsallowing for rolling support of the lower chamber. The trailer tonguesecured to the lower chamber, the tongue permitting the lower chamber tobe towed on the wheels.

In an alternative embodiment the invention is directed to a portablefluid storage container system. The system comprises a lower chamber, anupper chamber, a lift system, and a seal unit. The lower chambercomprises a bottom and at least one side wall secured to the bottom andhaving a top edge, the top edge defining an open top of the lowerchamber. The upper chamber comprises a top and at least one side wallsecured to the top and having a bottom edge, the bottom edge defining anopen bottom of the upper chamber. The upper chamber is movable between afirst collapsed position in which the upper chamber is disposed withinthe lower chamber and a second extended position in which the upperchamber sits above the lower chamber. The lift system is operativelyconnected to the lower chamber and the upper chamber, the lift systembeing operable to move the upper chamber between the collapsed positionand the extended position. The seal unit is disposed to engage the lowerchamber and the upper chamber when the upper chamber unit is in theextended position. When the upper chamber is in the extended positionthe lower chamber, the seal unit, and the upper chamber define a watertight compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a portable fluid storage container systemconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the system shown in FIG. 1 in the containersystem's extended position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of the container system shown in FIG. 2 takenalong cut lines 4-4.

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the system shown in FIG. 4A with the containerin the extended position.

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the front wall of upper chamber and thelower chamber, showing a preferred embodiment of the lift system for thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is an partial plan view of the rack and pinion gear shown in FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the front wall of the upper chamber andthe lower chamber, showing the rack and pinion gear of the lift systemand the seal unit for the present invention.

FIG. 8 a partial side view of the side wall of the upper chamber and thelower chamber showing a bulge preventer securing the side wall of theupper chamber to the side wall of the lower chamber.

FIG. 9 is a partial top view of the lock system for use with the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a partial top view of the lock system for use with thepresent invention showing the lock in the locked position.

FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the container system with an alternativeembodiment for a lift system.

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the embodiment of the lift system for thesystem shown FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a partial view of the embodiment of the lift system for thesystem shown FIG. 11 with the upper chamber in the extended position

FIG. 14A is a partial view of an alternative embodiment for a seal unitfor use with the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a partial view of the seal unit embodiment shown in FIG. 14Awith the upper chamber in the extended position.

FIG. 15 is a partial view of another alternative embodiment for a sealunit for use with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial view of another alternative embodiment for a sealunit for use with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a partial view of an alternative embodiment for a seal unitfor use with the present invention with the seal attached to the upperchamber.

FIG. 18 is a partial view of another alternative embodiment for a sealunit with the seal attached to the upper chamber

FIG. 19 is a partial view of another alternative embodiment for a sealunit for use with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a partial top view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 showing guidewheels used with the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an end view of the container system having an alternativeembodiment for the lift system.

FIG. 22 is an end view of an alternative embodiment for the containersystem built in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an end view of a container system built in accordance withthe present invention showing a port for fluid access to the containersystem.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the container system of FIG. 23 showing theweir box for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings in general and to FIG. 1 inparticular, there is shown therein a preferred embodiment for a portablefluid storage system constructed in accordance with the presentinvention. The storage system, or container system, designated byreference number 10, comprises a lower chamber unit 12 and an upperchamber unit 14 generally sized to fit within the lower chamber unit sothat there is an annulus 16 between the upper chamber unit and the lowerchamber unit. In the preferred embodiment, the annulus 16 would beapproximately two to six inches wide. Having an annulus 16 of this sizeallows for optimal operation of the system 10 in ways that are yet to bedescribed. Preferably, the lower chamber unit 12 and the upper chamberunit 14 are tanks and constructed in a manner similar to traditionaltanks, comprised of materials appropriate to withstand the rigors oftransportation on roads of various repair and the pressures of water orother fluids stored within the container system 10. More preferably, thelower chamber 12 and the upper chamber 14 are comprised of a pluralityof steel beams 18 and steel plates 20 welded together. Alternativeembodiments will allow for steel of varied thickness or the use of othermaterials of sufficient rigidity and strength. The use of plastic panelsor carbon fiber panels, for example, is contemplated for use with thepresent invention.

Continuing with FIG. 1, the container system 10 further comprises a liftsystem 22 operatively connecting the lower chamber 12 and the upperchamber 14. As will be described in greater detail below, the liftsystem 22 is adapted to move the upper chamber unit 14 between a firstcollapsed position as shown and a second extended position (as shown anddescribed below in FIGS. 2 and 3). Preferably, the container system 10is made portable by a trailer axle 24 and wheels 26 secured to the lowerchamber 12. More preferably, a trailer tongue 28 is also secured to thelower chamber 12, the tongue being adapted to connect to a semi-tractor(not shown) or other fifth-wheel vehicle in known fashion.Alternatively, the container system 10 may be made portable in otherways, such as with roll-off capabilities. The preferred portable natureof the container system 10 is designed to take advantage of ISO andhighway standards to allow for maximum sizing of the container system,as is done with conventional frac tanks. Preferably, the containersystem 10 will be approximately 40 feet long and 8½ feet wide andapproximately 16 feet 8 inches high in the extended position. As shownin FIG. 1, the container system 10 is represented in its transportableconfiguration, being capable of being hauled or transported to adrilling site or other locale for its use.

After being transported to a drilling site or other locale, thecontainer system 10 is dropped at a substantially level site preparedfor parking and using the system. As suggested previously, severalcontainer systems 10 may be parked together for use on a frac job orother operation requiring storage of large amounts of fluids. After thecontainer system 10 has been parked, the system is put into itsoperational configuration. The container system 12 may be put into theoperational configuration by operation of the lift system 22 to move theupper chamber 14 to the extended position. Preferably, a power unit (notshown) will be connected to the lift system 22 to provide needed power.More preferably, the power unit is carried on a field truck or the likethat is designated to manipulate the container system 10. The power unitmay be a hydraulic power unit, electric power supply, or other powersupply meeting necessary specifications for powering the lift system 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the container system 10 is shown in itsoperational configuration. As shown therein, the upper chamber unit 14is in the second extended position in which the upper chamber sitssubstantially above the lower chamber unit 12. In the extended position,a seal unit (yet to be described) disposed to bridge the annulus 16engages both the upper chamber unit 14 and the lower chamber unit 12. Inthe operational configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower chamberunit 12, the upper chamber unit 14, and the yet to be described sealunit, define a water tight container. The container system 10 can thenbe filled and emptied through valves or ports 30 such as those shown inFIG. 3. The container system 10 operationally provides for holdingapproximately 40,000 gallons of water for a frac job. Other uses beyondfrac jobs are also appropriate, such as water storage during drillingoperations, production flowback after a frac job, fluid storage fordeicing systems at airports, fluid storage in road boring operations,water storage during disaster relief, and other similar needs or uses.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and also referring to FIGS.4A and 4B where there is shown a cut view of the system 10 shown in FIG.1, the container system is shown and described in more detail. As shown,the lower chamber unit 12 comprises a bottom or floor 32 and at leastone side wall 34 secured to the bottom. The bottom 32 preferablycomprises a substructure having a plurality of steel tubular beams andcross pieces supporting steel plates. The at least one side wall 34 hasa top edge 36, the top edge defining an open top 38 of the lower chamberunit 12. In the preferred embodiment the lower chamber 12 will have agenerally rectangular structure, though a circular or oval shape orother polygonal shapes may also be used. Thus, in the preferredembodiment the at least one side wall 34 comprises a front wall 40, aback wall 42, and a pair of opposing longitudinal side walls 44.Preferably, the front wall 40, the back wall 42, and the longitudinalside walls 44 comprise a plurality of vertical tubular posts 46 or steelc-channel posts. The posts 46 provide structural support for the lowerchamber 12 and a connection point for other elements of the containersystem 10 yet to be described. More preferably, panels 48 or sheets ofsteel, or skins, are welded or otherwise connected between and to theposts 46 to form surfaces of the walls 40, 42, 44. One skilled in theart will appreciate the walls 40, 42, 44 may also be formed of panelsdesigned with sufficient rigidity to obviate the need for posts, and yetstill allow for attachment of other elements of the container system 10.

The upper chamber unit 14 comprises a ceiling 50, or top, and at leastone side wall 52 secured to the ceiling. The ceiling 50 preferablycomprises one or more panels, and more preferably comprises a pluralityof tubular beams and cross pieces supporting the panels. Mostpreferably, the panels and beams are comprised of steel. The at leastone side wall 52 has a bottom edge 54, the bottom edge defining an openbottom 56 of the upper chamber unit 14. In the preferred embodiment theupper chamber 14 will be of a shape and structure substantially the sameas that of the lower chamber unit 12. Thus, in the preferred embodimentthe at least one side wall 52 comprises a front wall 58, a back wall 60,and a pair of opposing longitudinal side walls 62. The front wall 58,the back wall 60, and the longitudinal side walls 62 comprise aplurality of vertical tubular posts 64 or c-channel posts. The posts 64provide structural support for the upper chamber 14 and a connectionpoint for other elements of the container system 10 yet to be described.Sheets of steel 66, or skins, are welded or otherwise connected betweenand to the posts 64 to form surfaces of the walls 58, 60, 62.Additionally, at least one cross beam 68 connected between the opposingside walls 62 across the open bottom 56 of the upper chamber 14. The atleast one cross beam 68 will prevent bowing of the upper chamber 14 fromfluid pressures when the container system 10 is filled with fluid.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a preferred embodiment for the lift system22 is shown in more detail. The lift system 22 preferably comprises atleast one hydraulic motor 70 and a plurality of rack and pinion geardrives 72. More preferably, the at least one hydraulic motor 70comprises a first motor 74 disposed proximate the top edge 36 of thefront wall 40 of the lower chamber unit 12 and a second motor 76 (shownin FIG. 2) disposed proximate the top edge 36 of the back wall 42 of thelower chamber unit 12. The first motor 74 and the second motor 76 areeach secured to motor mounts 78. The motor mounts 78 may comprise anL-shaped bracket to provide a horizontal mounting surface for supportingthe motors 74, 76. The motor mounts 78 are removably connected to one ofthe posts 46 of the front wall 40 and the back wall 42.

The plurality of rack and pinion drives 72 preferably comprise a firstpair of rack and pinion drives 80 operatively connected to the firstmotor 74 and a second pair of rack and pinion drives 82 operativelyconnected to the second motor 76. The first pair of rack and piniondrives 80 includes a set of spur gears 84 disposed proximate the topedge 36 of the front wall 40 of the lower chamber 12 and operativelyconnected to the first motor 74 by a drive shaft 85. Preferably, thespur gears 84 are disposed at outer edges of the front wall 40 proximatethe opposing longitudinal walls 44. The spur gears 84 may be secured tomounts 86 that are removably connected to posts 46 of the front wall 40,similar to the motor mounts 78 described above. The first pair of rackand pinion drives 80 further includes a set of toothed geared racks 88connected to the front wall 58 of the upper chamber unit 14. The racks88 are disposed at outer edges of the front wall 58 of the upper chamber14 proximate the opposing longitudinal walls 62 so that the spur gears84 are able to engage the racks. Preferably, the toothed racks 88 wouldbe secured to cross beams 90 of the front wall 58 of the upper chamber14 to allow the load of the upper chamber to be carried and distributedto the beams. More preferably, the racks 88 may be set in cutouts (notshown) in the beams 90 to allow for the spur gears 84 to properly engagethe racks. The second pair of rack and pinion drives 82 is disposed onthe back wall 42 of the lower chamber unit 12 and the back wall 60 ofthe upper chamber unit 14 in a manner similar to the structure of thefirst pair of rack and pinion drives 80.

Continuing with FIGS. 5-7, the lift system 22 further comprises aplurality of guide wheels 92 rotationally secured to the mounts 86 forthe spur gears 84. The guide wheels 92 are positioned to fit withinrails 94 that are secured to the walls 58, 60 of the upper chamber 14adjacent the racks 88. The guide wheels 92 provide for the spur gears 84to maintain contact with the racks 88, despite the forces the gearsplace on the racks urging the gears away from the racks.

With reference again to FIG. 2, the lift system 22 further comprises atiming mechanism 96. The timing mechanism 96 provides for thecoordination of the motors 74, 76 as the upper chamber unit 14 is movedbetween the collapsed position and the extended position. In thepreferred embodiment the timing mechanism 96 comprises a timing bar, ortie bar, operatively connected between the first motor 74 and the secondmotor 76. The timing bar 96 is rotatably attached proximate the top edge36 of one of the opposing longitudinal sides 44 of the lower chamber 12.Thus, as the motors 74, 76 rotate the drive shafts, the timing bar 96will rotate and act to mechanically coordinate the output of the firstmotor and the second motor. In an alternative embodiment the timingmechanism 96 may be may comprise an electronic timing system operativelyconnected to the motors 74, 76. Applicable systems are commerciallyavailable and typically comprise a computerized controller incommunication with a level sensor that senses the level of the upperchamber unit 14. If the upper chamber unit 14 is at any time not level,the controller communicates with the first motor 74 and second motor 76to coordinate output speeds and maintain the level nature of the upperchamber unit. Other mechanisms for maintaining the level nature of theupper chamber 14 as it is lifted are contemplated, such as the use oftravel limited by pressure switches.

Turning now to FIG. 8, the container system 10 also comprises a bulgepreventer 100 secured to the lower chamber 12, adapted to prevent theside walls 44 of the lower chamber from bulging out from forces of fluidwhen the container system is in use. The bulge preventer 100 comprises aplurality of wall hooks 102 and a corresponding number of hook mounts104. Preferably at least one hook mount 104 and corresponding wall hook102 are removably secured to each of the opposing side walls 44. Morepreferably, each hook mount 104 is attached to one of the posts 46proximate the top edge 36 of the lower chamber 12. Preferably each hookmount 104 comprises an L-bracket connected to a lower chamber cap (yetto be described), although the hook mount may also be connected to oneof the posts 46 of the opposing side walls 44. Each mount 104 provides aconnection point for one of the wall hooks 102 to be secured to the topedge 36 of the lower chamber 12. An additional support bracket 105 maybe used with on the mount 104 to help distribute loads from forcesexerted by the fluid when the container system 10 is in use.

Each wall hook 102 comprises an extension arm 106 secured to the mount104 and extending distally across the annulus 16. A hook 108 at thedistal end of the arm 106 is positioned to travel in one of the posts 62or c-channels of the opposing side walls 64 of the upper chamber 14.When the upper chamber 14 is moved to the extended position as shown inFIG. 8, the hook end 108 of the wall hook 102 is set in a recess in abeam 110 at the bottom edge 54 of upper chamber 14. An additional plate111 may be used in the beam 110 to retain the hook 102. The wall hook102, in conjunction with the cross beam 68 of the upper chamber 14,prevents the opposing side walls 44 of the lower chamber 12 from bowingwhen the container system 10 is filled with fluid.

The present invention also provides for the upper chamber 14 to belocked in the extended position. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, thecontainer system 10 further comprises a mechanical lock 112 to securethe upper chamber 14 in the extended position. The lock 112 comprises apin 114 rotatably attached proximate the top edge 36 of the lowerchamber unit 12, a plate 116 secured to a first end of the pin, and ahandle 118 secured to a second end of the pin. In operation, the lock112 is movable between an open position (shown in FIG. 9) and a lockedposition (shown in FIG. 10). The lock 112 is preferably rotated to thelocked position when the upper chamber 14 has been moved to the extendedposition. As the lock 112 is rotated, the plate 116 is moved from aposition at the top edge 36 of the lower chamber 12 to the lockedposition over the open top 38 of the lower chamber. In the lockedposition, the plate 116 will reside in a cut out or void in one of thewalls 62 or posts 64 of the upper chamber unit 14. The lift system 22can then be lowered slightly to allow the upper chamber unit 14 toengage the plate 116, so that the upper chamber cannot lower further. Inthe preferred embodiment, four locks 112 will be used, one disposed ateach of the corners of the lower chamber unit 12. Other systems forlocking the upper chamber 14 in the extended position contemplated, suchas a gear lock for the rack and pinion drives.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment for a lift system120 built in accordance with the present invention is shown. In thealternative embodiment, the lift system 120 comprises a plurality ofjack arrangements 122 disposed around a perimeter of the containersystem 10 to lift the upper chamber 14 to the extended position andlower it to the collapsed position. Preferably, the plurality of jackarrangements 122 comprises four hydraulically driven jack arrangements,one each disposed at each of four corners of the container system 10.Each jack arrangement 122 comprises a screw jack 124, a lift plate 126,and a lift post 128. The screw jacks 124 comprise a base motor 130 and ascrew post 132 operatively connected to the motor. The base motors 130are each preferably secured to a tank base mount 134 securable proximatethe bottom 32 of the lower chamber 12. The screw posts 132 arepositioned to extend from the base motor 130 up to a position proximatethe top edge 36 of the lower chamber 12.

With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the jack arrangements 122 areshown in greater detail. The lift plates 126 have a tank attachmentsurface for securing the plates to the top 50 of the upper chamber 14.Preferably the plates 126 will be of sufficient size and secured so thatthe plates may bear the weight of the upper chamber 14 as it is moved.The lift posts 128 comprise a traveling nut 136 and a lift column 138.The traveling nut 136 is sized to screw onto the screw post 132. Thelift column 138 preferably comprises a tubular column of sufficientdiameter to be disposed over the screw post 132. A first end 140 of thelift column 138 is secured to the traveling nut 136. A second end 142 ofthe lift column 138 is secured to the lift plate 126. Preferably, eachjack arrangement 122 will also comprise a protective sleeve 144 securedto the front wall 40 or back wall 42 of the container system 10. Theprotective sleeve 144 allows for the screw post 132 to be sheltered fromenvironmental elements.

In operation, the base motor 130 turns the screw post 132, causing thetraveling nut 136 to move “up” the screw post. As the nut 136 moves upthe post 132, the lift column 138 also travels upward pushing the liftplate 126 and the upper chamber 14 to the extended position. Among otherbenefits, the jack arrangements 122 provide for an inherent lock whenthe upper chamber 14 is in the extended position, and allowing thecontainer system 10 to be used with the upper chamber only partlyextended if desired.

As with the rack and pinion system 72 previously described, theoperation of the plurality of jack arrangements 122 does need to becoordinated to ensure the upper chamber 14 is raised in a substantiallylevel manner. Preferably, at least one drive motor 139 is again used todrive the base motors of the jack arrangements 122. As was describedwith the rack and pinion system 72, the drive motor 139 can be tied tothe jack arrangement 122 at both ends of the container system 10 using atiming bar 141, an electronic control system, or the like.

With reference again to FIG. 7 and also to FIG. 12, the seal unit 146 ofthe container system 10 is shown in greater detail. The preferredembodiment for the seal unit 146 comprises a lower chamber flange 148connectable to the lower chamber unit 12, an upper chamber flange 150connectable to the upper chamber unit 14, and a seal 152 disposed toengage the top unit flange and the lower chamber flange when the upperchamber unit is in the extended position. The lower chamber flange 148is preferably disposed at the top edge 36 of the lower chamber unit 12.The lower chamber flange 148 preferably comprises a lower chamber cap154 and a flange bracket 156. The lower chamber cap 154, or edge cap,has an attachment surface that is secured to the top edge 36 of thelower chamber 12, around a full perimeter of the lower chamber.Preferably the lower chamber cap 154 is a steel c-channel that is weldedat the top edge 36 of the lower chamber 12. The flange bracket 156 isremovably attached to the lower chamber cap 154. The flange bracket 156extends from the lower chamber cap 154 into the open top 38 of the lowerchamber unit 12, at least partially bridging a gap that is the annulus16 between the lower chamber and the upper chamber 14.

The upper chamber flange 150 is preferably disposed at the bottom edge54 of the upper chamber unit 14. The upper chamber flange 150 preferablycomprises a flange plate 158 and a flange extension 160 or sealingsurface. The flange plate 158 is preferably removably secured to thebottom edge 54 of the upper chamber 14, around a full perimeter of theupper chamber. The flange extension 160 is secured to the flange plate158. The flange extension 160 extends from the flange plate 158 awayfrom the open bottom 56 of the upper chamber unit 14, at least partiallybridging the gap that is the annulus 16 between the lower chamber 12 andthe upper chamber. One skilled in the art will appreciate the flangeextension 160 extends a distance sufficient to overlap the flangebracket 156. Preferably the flange extension 160 will extend in adirection down and away from the bottom edge 54 of the upper chamberunit 14, minimizing the collection of foreign materials on the sealingsurface of the flange extension 160. More preferably the flangeextension 160 will also comprise a plurality of sealing surfaces.

The seal 152 preferably comprises a rubber gasket or ring sized to fitbeneath the flange bracket 156 and having a length to allow for the sealto fit around the full perimeter of the the flange bracket. Morepreferably the seal 152 is secured to the flange bracket 156, by use ofbolts or an adhesive or in other known manner. Additionally, a ridge 161or plurality of pins on the flange bracket 156 may be used to aid inretention of the seal 152 in position in the flange bracket. In thisconfiguration, the flange extension 160 will contact and impinge uponthe seal 152 when the upper chamber unit 14 is in the extended position.One skilled in the art will appreciate that the positioning andconfiguration of the flange bracket 156, the seal 152, and the flangeextension 160 will permit the flange bracket, the seal, and the flangeextension to create a sufficiently tight seal of the annulus 16 betweenthe lower chamber unit 12 and the upper chamber unit 14 when the upperchamber is in the extended position.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that although the preferredembodiment for the seal 152 is a rubber gasket or ring, alternativematerials or configurations are anticipated. For example, the seal 152may comprise compression chambers 162 to allow for the seal to compresswhen the flange extension 160 contacts the seal. The seal 152 may alsocomprise multiple pieces of rubber fitted together to comprise the fulllength of the seal. Alternative materials, such as foam, pliableplastics, or other rubber-like compositions, are also contemplated.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 12, one skilled in the art willappreciate the ease with which the lift system 22, 120 and the seal unit146 can be separated from the container system 10. The lift system 22,120 and the seal unit 146 may be combined in the form of a lift and sealkit. Both the lift system 22, 120 and the seal unit 146 as described areremovably attached to the container system 10, preferably with a boltingattachment. For example, the mounts 78, 86 for the spur gears 84 andmotors 74, 76 are preferably bolted to posts 46 on the lower chamber 12,and the spur gears and motors are preferably bolted to the mounts.Additionally, the lower chamber flange 148 and the upper chamber flange150 are preferably bolted to the lower chamber 12 and the upper chamber14 respectively. Additionally, the flange bracket 156 of the seal unit146, for example, is preferably bolted to the bottom unit cap 154. Thus,the flange bracket 156, and the seal 152 attached to the bracket, can beeasily removed for replacement or assessment of the seal. The preferredstructures for the lift and seal kit, the lift system, and the seal unitallow for parts of the container system 10 to be removed for inspection,repair, replacement, or other objectives.

The present invention contemplates alternative embodiments for the sealunit 146. Turning now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, there is shown therein analternative embodiment for a seal 164 and flange extension 166 of theseal unit 146. As shown in FIG. 14A, the seal 164 comprises a gasket orring secured to the flange bracket 156. Preferably, the seal 164 has astepped configuration with a plurality of steps in a surface to becontacted by the flange extension 166. More preferably the plurality ofsteps comprises three steps, arranged in a manner sloping from proximatethe lower chamber cap 154 in a direction up and out into the annulus 16.Similarly, the flange extension 166 preferably comprises three extensionpieces or fingers to mate with the steps of the seal 164 when the upperchamber 14 is in the extended position (FIG. 14B). More preferably, theextension pieces of the flange extension 166 will be of varied lengthsto allow the extensions to contact each of the steps of the seal 164.

Referring now to FIG. 15, illustrated therein is an alternativeembodiment for the seal unit 146 a for use with the container system 10.The seal unit shown in FIG. 15 provides an alternative mode forattaching the seal 152 a to the flange bracket 156 a. In the alternativeembodiment shown, the seal 152 a is secured, preferably by gluing orwith another adhesive, to an attachment plate 168. The attachment plate168 is subsequently secured to the flange bracket 156 a. The attachmentplate 168 is removably secured to the flange bracket 156 a, preferablyby use of bolts. The seal unit 146 a shown in FIG. 15 also shows a ridge161 a welded or otherwise secured to the flange bracket, the ridgeallowing for positioning and retention of the seal 152 a.

As shown in FIG. 16, an alternative embodiment for the flange extension169 of the seal unit 146 is shown. As shown therein, the flangeextension 169 comprises a convex surface. The convex surface allowsadditional surface area to be in contact with the seal 152. One skilledin the art will appreciate the additional surface area may allow for aconsistent seal and provide for a water tight compartment.

Turning now to FIGS. 17 and 18, additional alternative embodiments for aseal unit 170 of the container system 10 are shown. In the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the seal unit 170 comprises the lower chamberflange 148 and the upper chamber flange 150. The lower chamber flangecomprises a flange extension 172 secured to the lower chamber cap 154 atthe top edge 36 of the bottom chamber 12. The flange extension 172preferably extends at least partially into the annulus 16. A flangebracket 174 is secured to the bottom edge 54 of the upper chamber 14.The flange bracket 174 may be secured by welding or removably secured bybolts or other means. The flange bracket 174 extends from the bottomedge 54 of the upper chamber 14 at least partially into the annulus 16,a sufficient distance to overlap and contact the flange extension 172.In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18, a seal 176 is secured tothe flange bracket 174, providing a surface for contact with the flangeextension 172 when the upper chamber 14 is in the extended position (asshown).

With reference now to FIG. 19, an alternative embodiment for a seal unit178 is shown. The seal unit 178 of FIG. 19 comprises a lower chamberflange 180, a seal 182 and an upper chamber flange 184. The lowerchamber flange 180 comprises a mount arm 186 securable to the top edge36 of the bottom chamber 12. The lower chamber flange 180 furthercomprises a support arm 188 extending from the mount arm 186 into theannulus 16. The upper chamber flange 184 is secured to the bottom edge54 of the upper chamber 14 such that when the upper chamber 12 is in theextended position, the upper chamber flange 184 provides a flangeextension and sealing surface opposing the lower chamber flange 180. Theseal 182 comprises at least one inflatable bladder 190 supported on thelower chamber flange 180. The inflatable bladder 190 may comprise a bagor other like device that increases in size when injected with air orfluid, and decreasing in size when air or fluid in the bladder isremoved. When the upper chamber 14 is moved to the extended position,the bladder 190 is injected with air or fluid to increase its size suchthat the bladder fills space in the annulus 16 between the lower chamberflange 180 and the upper chamber flange 184, creating the desired seal.

Continuing with FIG. 19 and with reference also to FIG. 20, thecontainer system 10 further comprises a chamber alignment system 200.The chamber alignment system 200 comprises a plurality of roller guides202. The roller guides 202 each comprise an arm 204 secured to the topedge 36 of the bottom chamber 12, the arm extending over the open top 38of the bottom chamber, and across the annulus 16. At least one rollerwheel 206 is attached to an end of the arm 204 over the open top 38. Thearm 204 is of sufficient length to allow the roller wheel 206 to becontained within one of the posts 64 of the walls 62 of the upperchamber 14. The roller wheels 206 function to guide and maintain aposition of the upper chamber 14 as the upper chamber is moved betweenthe collapsed position and the extended position.

Referring now to FIG. 21, there is shown therein an end view of thecontainer system 10 having an alternative embodiment for a lift system210. The lift system 210 of the present embodiment comprises a pluralityof hydraulic cylinders 212. Preferably, the plurality of cylinders 212includes a first pair of cylinders 214 proximate the front wall 40 ofthe container system 10 and a second pair of cylinders (not shown)proximate the back wall 42 of the container system. For each hydrauliccylinder of the first pair of cylinders 214, a barrel 216 of thecylinder is secured to the front wall 40 of the lower chamber 12. Apiston 218 of the cylinder 214 is secured to the front wall 58 of theupper chamber 14. Similarly, the second pair of cylinders is secured tothe back wall of the lower chamber and the back wall of the upperchamber. The cylinders can then be extended and retracted to move theupper chamber 14 between the collapsed position and the extendedposition, as both are shown in FIG. 21. Alternative mechanisms for alift system to be used with the present invention are contemplated. Forexample, a scissor lift may used with the base of the lift secured tothe lower chamber and the upper portion of the scissor lift secured tothe upper chamber.

Continuing with FIG. 21, a pair of container systems 10 are shown as thecontainers may be deployed for use. When multiple container systems 10are used, it may be desirable to lock the containers together for addedstability. For that purpose, the container system 10 further comprises astability system 220. The stability system 220 comprises at least onehinged plate 222. A mounting plate 224 of the hinged plate 222 issecured to the front wall 40 of the lower chamber 12. A swing plate 226of the hinge 222 then may be secured to a front wall 40 a of an adjacentcontainer system 10 a. The container system 10 a may also comprise aconnection point 228 for the swing plate 226 to connect with.Preferably, two hinged plates 222 are used to secure multiple containersystems 10 and 10 a. More preferably, additional plates or stabilitysystem components may be used at the back walls of the container systems10 and 10 a. Alternative embodiments for the stability system are alsocontemplated. For example, the stability system may comprise at leastone bar, rail, or other like structure to be secured to two adjacentsystems.

With reference now to FIG. 22, an end view of a three tiered embodimentof the present invention is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 22, thecontainer system 300 comprises a lower chamber unit 302, a middlechamber unit 304 and an upper chamber unit 306. The middle chamber unit304 is generally sized to fit within the lower chamber unit 302 so thatthere is an annulus between the middle chamber unit and the lowerchamber unit. The upper chamber unit 306 is generally sized to fitwithin the middle chamber unit 304 so that there is an annulus betweenthe middle chamber unit and the lower chamber unit. Preferably, thelower chamber unit 302, the middle chamber unit 304, and the upperchamber unit 306 are comprised of materials appropriate to withstand therigors of transportation on roads of various repair and the pressures ofwater stored within the container system 300. More preferably, the lowerchamber 302, the middle chamber 304, and the upper chamber 306 arecomprised of a plurality of steel beams and steel plates weldedtogether. Alternative embodiments will allow for steel of variedthickness or the use of other materials of sufficient rigidity andstrength.

Continuing with FIG. 22, the container system 300 further comprises alift system 308 operatively connecting the lower chamber 302, the middlechamber 304, and the upper chamber 306. The lift system 308 is adaptedto move the upper chamber unit 306 and the middle chamber unit 304between a collapsed position and an extended position. The lift system308 may be used to selectively or incrementally extend the middlechamber 304 and the upper chamber 306 to allow for increased capacityover the system 300 in a transportable configuration. As shown in FIG.22 the lift system 308 will preferably comprise a plurality ofhydraulically driven rack and pinion systems 310 similar to the system22 described for the container system 10 shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, atleast one rack and pinion system 312 is disposed between the lowerchamber 302 and the middle chamber 304 and at least one rack and pinionsystem 314 is disposed between the middle chamber 304 and the upperchamber 306. More preferably, the plurality of rack and pinion systems312, 314 would be operated using an electronic control system (notshown) to allow for coordinated and selective extension of the middlechamber and/or the upper chamber.

The container system 300 further comprises a seal unit 318 to provide aseal 320 between the lower chamber 302 and the middle chamber 304, and aseal 322 between the middle chamber 304 and the upper chamber 306.Preferably, the seal unit 318 used will comprise structure similar tothe seal unit 146 for the system 10 shown and described in FIGS. 7 and12. Once in its operational configuration with the upper chamber 306 andthe middle chamber 304 extended, the lower chamber unit 302, the middlechamber unit, the upper chamber unit, and the seal unit 318 will definea water tight compartment. The container system 300 can then be filledand emptied through valves or ports 324 such as those shown in FIG. 22.

With reference now to FIGS. 23 and 24, a drain system 330 for use withthe container system 10 (or 300) is shown. The drain system 330 may beused for removing fluid from the system 10. The preferred embodiment ofthe drain system 330 for use with the present invention comprises a weirbox 332 operatively connected to a port 334 in the front wall 40 of thebottom chamber 12. The weir box 332 is preferably secured to an innerside of the front wall 40 of the lower chamber 12. The weir box 332comprises a first open circular end 336 secured to the port 334. Theweir box 332 more preferably extends from the open circular end 336 to asecond open chamber access end 338, located proximate the floor 32 ofthe lower chamber 12. Most preferably, the open chamber access end 338would be positioned in a cutout 340 of a bottom beam 342 for the frontwall 40. In the preferred embodiment for the container system 10, thebottom beam 342 comprises a 6×6 tubular beam. Use of the weir box 332would allow fluids to be removed from the container system 10 with aconventional pump system (not shown) attached to the port 334, whilealso allowing the upper chamber 14 to move to the collapsed positionwithout further modification. As an alternative to the weir box 332, thedrain system may comprise a conventional fill tube (not shown) extendingfrom the port 334 down to the floor 32 of the tank. Preferably, the filltube would need to be inserted and connected to the port after the upperchamber 14 is moved to the extended position.

Various modifications can be made in the design and operation of thepresent invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Thus, whilethe principal preferred construction and modes of operation of theinvention have been explained in what is now considered to represent itsbest embodiments, which have been illustrated and described, it shouldbe understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically illustrated and described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable fluid storage container systemcomprising: a lower chamber comprising a bottom and at least one sidewall secured to the bottom and having a top edge, the top edge definingan open top of the lower chamber; an upper chamber comprising a top andat least one side wall secured to the top and having a bottom edge, thebottom edge defining an open bottom of the upper chamber; wherein theupper chamber is movable between a first collapsed position in which theupper chamber is disposed within the lower chamber and a second extendedposition in which the upper chamber sits above the lower chamber; a liftsystem operatively connected to the lower chamber and the upper chamber,the lift system operable to move the upper chamber between the collapsedposition and the extended position; a seal unit disposed to engage thelower chamber and the upper chamber when the upper chamber unit is inthe extended position; a bulge preventer adapted to connect the sidewall of the lower chamber to the side wall of the upper chamber when theupper chamber is in the extended position; wherein when the upperchamber is in the extended position the lower chamber, the seal unit,and the upper chamber define a water tight compartment.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one side wall of the upper chambercomprises a front wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing longitudinalwalls; and wherein the at least one side wall of the lower chambercomprises a front wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposing longitudinalwalls.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the lift system comprises: afirst hydraulic cylinder, the first hydraulic cylinder comprising abarrel connected to the front wall of the lower chamber and furthercomprising a piston connected to the front wall of the upper chamber;and a second hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylindercomprising a barrel connected to the back wall of the lower chamber andfurther comprising a piston connected to the back wall of upper chamber.4. The system of claim 2 wherein the seal unit comprises a rubbergasket.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the seal unit comprises: anupper chamber flange connectable to the upper chamber; a lower chamberflange connectable to the lower chamber; and a seal secured to the lowerchamber flange; wherein the upper chamber flange contacts the seal whenthe upper chamber is in the extended position.
 6. The system of claim 5wherein the rubber gasket is compressible, such that when the upperchamber unit is in the extended position the rubber gasket is compressedbetween the upper chamber flange and the lower chamber flange.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising: a trailer axle and wheelsconnected to the lower chamber, the wheels allowing for rolling supportof the lower chamber; and a trailer tongue secured to the lower chamber,the tongue permitting the lower chamber to be towed on the wheels. 8.The system of claim 1 wherein the bulge preventer comprises: a pluralityof wall hooks secured to the wall of the lower chamber; and a pluralityof retaining plates secured to the wall of the upper chamber; whereinwhen the upper chamber is in the extended position the plurality of wallhooks on the lower chamber engage the plurality of retaining plates onthe upper chamber.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the bulge preventercomprises: a plurality of wall hooks secured to the wall of the upperchamber; and a plurality of retaining plates secured to the wall of thelower chamber; wherein when the upper chamber is in the extendedposition the plurality of wall hooks on the upper chamber engage theplurality of retaining plates on the lower chamber.